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+--- Thread: WW, when was the first time you visited (/thread-13316.html)
- dananne - 05-14-2009
Napa? I was just wondering, as I'm reading "Judgement in Paris" right now, and reading about the early days in Napa has been quite entertaining and interesting. It dawned on me that you starting visiting there quite some time ago, and you probably knew/know many of those folks.
Anyway, it's a great read, if anyone is inclined.
- winoweenie - 05-15-2009
Started in 78. Was a friend of almost every old-timer ( vineyard founders) back then. Warren W., Al B, Charlie W.,Bernie P., Joe P., Mike Grigich, Mike Robbins (original founder of Spring Mtn.) et. al. A stunning group of men who had the vision and talent to turn a basic apple growing valley into one of the dominant grape areas of the world. Now the emphasis is on money and scores rather than putting some great juice in the bottle. Bah-Humbug. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]
- Thomas - 05-15-2009
Yep. My first visit was 1979. Quite a different place back then.
- dananne - 05-15-2009
That's what I thought -- most of those folks figure prominently in the book. Pretty neat.
Enjoying the read very much.
- Kcwhippet - 05-15-2009
I guess I'm a real late comer. I didn't get out there the first time until 1981. Earlier, I used to go to Weibel in Fremont and Mirassou.
- wondersofwine - 05-16-2009
My first visits were in mid-80's and I didn't meet the winemakers until I started attending wine festivals.
- TheEngineer - 05-20-2009
I'm a newbie. Must have been around 2002 or so...
- andrawes76 - 05-27-2009
Mine was also in '02. Just decided to go educate myself and found my heels in Sonoma. There is one really cool, historical figure left in Napa (at least to my knowledge). That's Dick Peterson. Dick is a really nice guy, very laid back and full of energy. Jackie told me he's got wine flowing thru his veins. He's got a nice vineyard on the west side of the valley floor growing a mutant strain of Pinot Noir he discovered and cloned from England (who knew England had grapes). Fun stuff and definitely the last time I went there in April to visit Jackie was the most fun I have ever had. Took a ride in Bing Crosby's '72 Rolls Shadow, drank and ate like no other.
- Innkeeper - 05-28-2009
We've never been to Napa or Sonoma. Only the Sierra Foothills and points south to Temucula.
- winoweenie - 05-28-2009
PW there are still a few of the pioneers making juice. Ch. Montelenas' Jim Barrett, Mike Grigich, Warren Winarski, Joe Phelps, and The papa Shafer in Napa plus, Tom Burgess, Dan Duckhorn, Ric Forman, William Hill, Andy Beckstoffer you need to put Tom Dehlinger from Sonoma and I'd even throw Rod Bergstrom (Joe Swans' son-in-law) who took over the winery when Joe died.), John Trefethen, Bernard Portet, Bob Travers et.al. Ufortunately most of these outstanding producers have been shunted aside to make room for the newest "discovery" on the hill. I've dropped off all the mailing lists of these newbnies ( Bryant family, Arauju, Harlan etc. as they decided their efforts were worth double what IMHO equal quality bottlings could be had for. I even dropped off My close friend Al Braunstein ( with whom I stayed for years in his home at 1500) when he raised the price of his Diamond Creek wines above 75 a clatter. It's still only fermented grape juice. WW
( By the way Dananne you should get James Conways' "Napa'. Great read that goes into extreme depth about them dudis and dudettes that remade this apple-growing valley into their own little eden)
[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 05-28-2009).]
[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 05-28-2009).]
- dananne - 05-28-2009
Will look for it, WW!
- TheEngineer - 05-29-2009
IK, I've also had a chance to drive up from San Deigo to Temecula. Was about five years ago
- Thomas - 05-29-2009
WW, and everyone else,
the next time you visit Sonoma, stop in at Del Carlo Winery, on Dry Creek Road.
A long time vineyard family related to Teldeschi, the husband and wife Del Carlo team produce only Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. First bottling is released this year. I loved the wines.
Don't think they are available anywhere else but locally and maybe down to San Francisco.
- winoweenie - 05-29-2009
Tankee der noble fren. Will definately mark me calender. Will we git thrown out if we use your name? [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]WW
- andrawes76 - 05-29-2009
Geez, WW that may be a few trips to drop into all those guys. I've always wanted to meet Mike Grgich, I've heard he's eccentric and a live one. Also wanted to meet Dennis Cakebread, Groth, Ridge, and a few others. Now perhaps may be the time since flights to San Fran are only $189 round trip. Better start taking my vitamin E now...
- wondersofwine - 05-29-2009
Ridge is the name of the vineyard but the personnel behind it are Paul Draper, Eric Baugher and John Olney (I've met the latter) and David Gates, vineyard operations.
- Thomas - 05-29-2009
WW,
Mention my name and I guarantee you'll be served wine, but they'll probably hide the furniture...
- TheEngineer - 05-29-2009
thanks for the heads up Foodie!
- Thomas - 05-29-2009
Engineer,
With dinners like the one you reported recently, you don't seem to need recommendations from anyone.
Just let me know the time and place of the next dinner you host...I'll bring the Del Carlo wines [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]
- TheEngineer - 05-29-2009
I'd be honoured Foodie [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]